We are very pleased to announce that Geshema Namdol Phuntsok has agreed to come to Buddha House and teach during July and August this year. Geshema Namdol Phuntsok achieved the top position in all India and Nepal, in the first group of nuns to ever study the 22-year Geshe degree (the highest monastic qualification, equivalent to a PhD or Professorship). She is currently the main teacher and oumze at the Kopan Nunnery and is very highly regarded for her accomplishments.
This is an amazing opportunity for Buddha House, to host the first Geshema ever to be appointed to an FPMT centre.
Geshema is Tibetan, but has lived in Nepal many years based at the Kopan nunnery. She has agreed to teach in English, and is studying English more intensively in readiness to teach at Buddha House, which is very kind of her.
Geshema was appointed to come to Buddha House by the Abbott of Kopan Monastery, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi and the FPMT and she has accepted our request to eventually come to Buddha House, permanently. Over the next few years, she will join us for a few months each year as our resident teacher, Venerable Thubten Dondrub, moves towards retirement.
Geshema will be giving a series of talks on Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout July and August in the Buddha House Gompa.
On Sundays, there will also be community events such as walks and picnics (weather permitting) as well as a few Sunday afternoon public talks in the Gompa.
To make the most of Geshema’s visit, Buddha House are offering a number of ways to attend. There is even a “Gold Package”, that includes a pass to all of Geshema’s teachings for a single facility fee. You can also book events individually. See below for more details and to reserve your place.
Tuesday Night Teachings
Tuesday 16 July
Impermanence: “Does change always bring Suffering?”
Tuesday 23 July
Karma:”Why do bad things happen to good people?”
Tuesday 30 July
Compassion: “Loving Kindness is the Best Medicine”
Tuesdays 6 July to 27 August July
The Four Noble Truths: The first teachings the Buddha gave on the Path to Enlightenment
Register for the Tuesday Package (all sessions) and receive a weekly link to YouTube, which will stay active until 29 September.
Waged $150
Members/Concession $120
Gold/Silver Bodhisattva Members: Free
Drop-in (single session): $25 or $20 Members/Concession
Thursday Night Teachings
Thursday 11 July
“Geshema’s Life Story”
Thursday 18 July
“Compassion Needs Wisdom”
Thursday 25 July
“How to Have a Meaningful Life”
Thursday 1 August
“Brave Heart Wise Mind”
Thursday 8 August
“How Meditation Helps in Everyday Life”
Thursday 15 August
“How we Grasp at a Separate Self”
Thursday 22 August
“Intro to Tantra” week 1
Thursday 29 August
“Intro to Tantra” week 2
Register for the Thursday Package (all sessions) and receive a weekly link to YouTube, which will stay active until 29 September.
Waged $150
Members/Concession $120
Gold/Silver Bodhisattva Members: Free
Drop-in (single session): $25 or $20 Members/Concession
Sunday Public Talks
14 July “Facing Death and Finding Hope”
11 August “Finding Purpose in Turbulent Times”
Both talks will be followed by Chai and Cake with Geshema.
Register for the Sunday Package (both sessions) and receive a weekly link to YouTube, which will stay active until 29 September.
Waged $50
Members/Concession $40
Gold/Silver Bodhisattva Members: Free
Drop-in (single session): $25 or $20 Members/Concession
Other Sunday activities (weather permitting):
Walk and Picnic at Morialta Falls – 21 July
Visit to Cleland Wildlife Park and Picnic Lunch – 18 August
Animal Blessing and Afternoon Tea at Buddha House – 4 August
Blessing All the Creatures in the Ocean and Picnic Lunch (venue
TBA) – 28 July.
More details will be available closer to the time.
A Short Biography of Geshema Namdol Phuntsok
Geshema was born in Tibet on 19th April 1975, but has lived in Nepal most of her life and has been based at the Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery for many years. Her studies have also required her to travel to Sera Je Monastery in Mysore India and the Gyuto Tantric College, where she completed her studies.
Geshema Namdol Phuntsok achieved the top position in all India and Nepal in the first group of Geshemas who graduated in 2016. She’s currently the main teacher and oumdze at the Kopan Nunnery in Kathmandu, Nepal. She has lots of teaching experience and has achieved the highest qualification of Gelupa study, being a Lharampa Geshema.
Geshema also leads debates and various ceremonies including leading the Mani Retreat in Mongolia last year.
